I received an email today asking if my MBA experience was worth it? Being over 40 when starting the program and graduating at 42. There are too many ways to answer the question .... overall YES the program was worth it on many fronts. I recognized that I have a natural ability to lead teams and people to success. During the program there were two competitions that all students had to participate; first was the Mays Business School Tech Transfer (read posting concerning that experience) the team that I lead took second place, I think we could have taken first but our topic was just not entertaining; second was the capstone consulting project which was a semester long project and the team that I lead and was SME for the project took First Place.
During the program I developed several close relationships with students from all corners of the world, in fact, I am going to India this December for a traditional Indian wedding. I will always remember the friendships developed through the program.
The academics were strong, I think the program could have a stronger leadership development aspect to the program but no complaints.
However, getting an MBA has NOT brought financial success to me. My background is all small business and even with an MBA from Texas A&M University I have yet to find employment. My background and age are both limiting factors for those recruiters that are seeking to hire MBA candidates from business schools. It does not help that we are in a horrible economic crisis, but you would think that my experience and leadership would be of benefit to companies in times like these ... apparently not.
Would I do it again ... not at 40 plus with a NON-TRADITIONAL background ... if I was out of an under graduate program with 5 years of work experience I would be all over an MBA program like Texas A&M University.
